United Airlines Denied Boarding to a Traveler's Emotional-Support Peacock

One traveler learned the hard way that, no, peacocks can't fly

If you ever asked yourself, "Can peacocks fly?" The answer is no — at least not on a United Airlines flight.

This past Saturday at Newark Liberty International Airport, the airlines turned away an emotional-support peacock, telling NBC News that it "did not meet guidelines for a number of reasons, including its weight and size." The airline continued to say in its statement that they explained it to the customer on three separate occasions before they arrived at the airport.

"Customers have attempted to fly with comfort turkeys, gliding possums known as sugar gliders, snakes, spiders and more," Delta said. "Ignoring the true intent of existing rules governing the transport of service and support animals can be a disservice to customers who have real and documented needs."

According to the statement, starting March 1, passengers with service animals are required to submit paperwork two full days before flying.

United Airlines is on board with that policy as well. According to the airlines' statement to NBC News on emotional-support animals, customers are required to "provide documentation from a medical professional and at least 48 hours advance notice."

It is unclear if the passenger and her peacock made it to their destination, but 18 hours ago, a photo was posted on Dexter's Instagram account (yes, it has its own Instagram account!) that seems to show they made it as far as Miami OK.